WRIC Richmond News and Weather - Mayor Jones Announces Cuts In City's New Budget
Member Center:
Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones announced on Thursday significant cuts for the city's new budget, a response he says to what is almost an unprecedented economic slowdown.
"We want to streamline government so that people are getting the most bang for their tax dollar buck," said Jones.
The two year plan accounts for falling revenues, and at $629 million, is $28 million less than the current budget passed this week.
Even public safety takes a hit. Police and Fire lose 5% and public education loses %4.
The health department is one of the few agencies that will keep spending at current levels.
And Jones says he will try to save as many jobs as he can.
"We think that we will be able to keep everybody employed. I think the budget will allow us to maintain all of our sworn police officers, all of our instructional staff, and if there are layoffs, they would be minimal."
Police Chief Bryan Norwood agrees. "We're more than able to maintain a level of service that we've already been providing for the last several years."
City residents can expect to pay more for some services though. Water fees will rise 6%, wastewater fees 5.5% and gas rates will jump 3%.
You can see the proposed budget for yourself online and weigh in on the new plan at a city council information forum on Saturday, April 4th. More public hearings will follow. Stay with 8News for updates.
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